'Othello' - the Source and the Additions

While reading ‘Othello’, it must be kept in mind that we are dealing with a play that was specifically written for the theatre. This covers the inconsistencies of the plot and time scheme present in the play as the theatre audience does not have the time to give them a serious thought. The source of the play lies in the collection of tales written by Italian writer, Giambattisa Cinzio Giraldi. Although Shakespeare hovered very close to the original text, yet as was the characteristic feature of this genius he made significant changes in the plot to leave an ingenuous imprint on the original text.
The following are the additions made by Shakespeare:
(i) The compression of the timescale to heighten the impact of events
(ii) Use of two contrasting locations
(iii) Introduction of the characters of Roderigo and Brabantio (Desdemona’s father)
(iv) Addition of the event of war between the Turks and Venetians
(v) The villain in Othello, Iago is independent in his malignity (in Cinzio’s tale Iago’s counterpart, Ensign’s wife is fully aware of her husband’s practices)
All these additions had their significant role to play. The battle here in the objective correlative, just as the raging storm was in ‘King Lear’ – the political battle between the infidels and Christians signifies the battle within Othello – he was born and infidel but adopted Christianity, the religion of the state.
Thus, we can say that as is with all other plays Shakespeare drew upon the already existing text and used them for inspiration. But he made such remarkable and thoughtful modifications in his plays that he almost made them his own. This is wherein the greatness of the dramatic genius of Shakespeare lies.

Also visit: Othello (Folger Shakespeare Library)